Current Affairs

Daily and monthly current affairs mapped to syllabus topics and related PYQs.

GS2 · Bilateral relations

India–New Zealand FTA to enter into force on 20 October 2026

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, signed on 27 April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, will enter into force on 20 October 2026 (PIB, 21 September 2026). From day one, all of India's exports to New Zealand become duty-free. Dairy, sugar and edible oils stay out of India's tariff cuts, and New Zealand commits to facilitate USD 20 billion of investment.

21 Sep 2026
GS2 · Governance, SHGs

9 lakh Community Resource Persons: the frontline of rural service delivery

A PIB backgrounder of 20 September 2026 describes India's rural frontline cadres. Over 9 lakh Community Resource Persons (CRPs), mostly SHG women under DAY-NRLM, work with over 10.40 lakh ASHAs and 10.58 lakh trained Anganwadi Workers. Nearly 4.08 lakh CRPs work on livelihoods as Krishi, Pashu, Matsya and Van Sakhis; the rest on banking, insurance and gender.

20 Sep 2026
GS3 · Agriculture-allied (sericulture)

Central Silk Board at 77: target to make India No. 1 in silk

At the 77th Foundation Day of the Central Silk Board in Bengaluru on 20 September 2026, the Textiles Minister said India's silk output has grown from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 42,000 tonnes now. The target is 60,000 tonnes by 2030-31, and the No. 1 global rank by 2028-29. Karnataka leads India's silk production.

20 Sep 2026
GS3 · Climate change

President at NGT climate conference: community-based adaptation rooted in traditional knowledge

On 20 September 2026 President Droupadi Murmu spoke at the valedictory session of the International Conference on "The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics", organised by the National Green Tribunal in New Delhi. She called for people-centric, community-based climate adaptation rooted in traditional knowledge, and for afforestation that restores whole ecosystems.

20 Sep 2026
GS2 · India–Sri Lanka

SLINEX-26: 13th India–Sri Lanka naval exercise at Visakhapatnam

The 13th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, was held at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026. INS Kavaratti, an indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvette, and the fleet tanker INS Jyoti took part for India, and SLNS Sindurala for Sri Lanka. SLINEX was conceptualised in 2005.

20 Sep 2026
GS3 · Railways safety

₹252 crore approved for Kavach 4.0 on 607.7 route km of Lucknow Division (NER)

On 19 September 2026 Indian Railways approved Kavach Version 4.0 on 607.7 route kilometres of the Lucknow Division of North Eastern Railway, at a total cost of ₹252 crore. Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection system. It helps prevent Signal Passing at Danger and applies brakes automatically when needed.

19 Sep 2026
GS2 · Welfare delivery

Aadhaar biometric authentication mandatory for subsidised LPG refills from 1 Oct 2026

From 1 October 2026, domestic LPG consumers must complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) to book refills at the subsidised regulated price (PIB, 19 September 2026). By 19 September, 27.43 crore consumers, 89.9%, had done it. Those who opt out can still buy 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders at market price, without subsidy.

19 Sep 2026
GS3 · Defence technology

Keel laid for first Next Generation Missile Vessel at Cochin Shipyard

The keel of the first ship of the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project was laid at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, on 18 September 2026 (PIB, 19 September). The contract was signed with CSL in March 2023. The ships will carry advanced weapons and sensors, and all major role-defining equipment is made in India.

19 Sep 2026
GS2 · Welfare of SCs

PM-AJAY: 16,022 villages declared Adarsh Gram; ₹11,186 crore released in 12 years

The Social Justice Ministry said on 19 September 2026 that over ₹11,186 crore has been released under the three components of PM-AJAY since 2014-15. Under the Adarsh Gram component, 16,022 of 48,811 selected Scheduled Caste-majority villages have been declared Adarsh Gram. Grants have helped 34.61 lakh people, and 244 hostels have been funded.

19 Sep 2026